Frequently Asked Questions (Crimson Ride)
Crimson Ride Service
Instructions for Riding the Bus
- Operators will not stop if there are no visible passengers at a designated bus stop and no request to exit the vehicle.
- Once a bus has pulled out into traffic from a stop, it will not stop in the roadway to pick up late passengers.
- The bus will only stop at designated stops. Please do not ask the operator to stop at a location that is not a designated bus stop.
- The rear door of the bus is the primary exit. Use that door when exiting.
- State law requires all riders to stay behind the white line on the floor at the front of the bus.
- Smoking and the use of alcohol are not permitted on the bus.
- Crimson Ride reserves the right to refuse service to unruly passengers, disturbing the peace, or threatening the safety and comfort of other riders.
- Wheelchair passengers have priority seating in the indicated wheelchair-accessible seats.
Who can ride the buses?
Students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors.
How many routes are there?
There are sixteen campus bus routes and ten apartment routes during the academic year:
Bus Routes?
North Campus 1 & 2, West Campus 1 & 2, South Campus 1 & 2, Bryce Route 1 & 2, Central Campus 1 & 2, East Campus 1 & 2 Residential 1 & 2, Residential Plus and Student Center Route.
Click the link to view the Bus routes
Apartment Routes?
Redpoint Tuscaloosa, The Bluffs/ The Lark, Lark Tuscaloosa, Vie at University Downs, The Cottages, The Lofts, East Edge, The Crimson, Ion, and Riverfront. Click this link to view the Apartment routes.
(Note: All routes are subject to change.)
What are the bus stops?
Bus stops are located all around campus. Click the link to view the Bus routes.
What are the projected operating hours for Crimson Ride?
Spring and Fall regular weekday bus hours are 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Limited night & weekend service)
Summer hours: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (No night & weekend service)
Will there be bus transportation during nights and weekends?
There is limited night and weekend campus service.
Are the buses on a timed schedule?
Buses will not have a set time to be at a particular location. Each bus will have an estimated headway for each route. With multiple buses on each route, the typical frequency of the buses ranges from twelve to twenty minutes. Delays can occur due to campus traffic.
Will I be late for class if I ride the bus from one stop to the next?
If you plan your schedule to correspond with the transit system schedule, you should not be late for class.
How will I know which bus route to take?
It is recommended that each student become familiar with the transit routes BEFORE classes begin. By studying the bus routes and planning your schedule, it should not be a problem. Bus operators will also assist with directions.
How often does the transit system run?
Depending on traffic congestion, the time between buses will be approximately twelve to twenty minutes on the campus routes.
What is the reliability of the bus schedule?
The buses are reliable; however, campus traffic sometimes becomes congested. Each bus and bus route can be monitored using PassioGo.
How can I track the bus by my phone or computer? What is PassioGo?
The buses have GPS technology (PassioGo) and can be tracked from cell phones with a browser, utilizing the app or computer. The information from the website will be “real-time”. PassioGo allows you to view the buses in “real-time” as they travel on the routes around campus. Using your computer or phone, if it has an internet browser, you will be able to view the buses traveling on their routes (View Routes).
What is the cost to ride the bus?
There is no fee to board the buses.
Are the buses wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the bus can kneel to sidewalk level and is equipped with a ramp that can be deployed in order to allow a passenger in a wheelchair to board. Each bus also has designated wheelchair spaces.
What will people do that are carrying heavy/large loads?
Only items that can be placed on a person’s lap or on the floor in front of one’s seat will be allowed. No items will be allowed to occupy additional seating.
Will there be a storage area on the bus for large items?
No.
Will the bus run during the University holidays?
No
Will the buses run in severe weather?
The buses will run in the rain, and even when there is a severe weather watch. However, the buses will not run during a severe weather warning.
Where should I park my vehicle?
Everyone is required to park in their designated zones only. You will not be allowed to cross-campus and search for a parking space in other zones. Visit www.bamaparking.ua.edu to view the new parking zones and parking regulations.
Crimson Ride/Bus Specs
How many buses will be operated on weekdays?
Sixteen buses run Campus Routes during peak operation hours, and eleven buses run Apartment Routes.
Will there be bus transportation on the nights and weekends?
Nights and Weekend service will be limited. Spring and Fall weekday hours are 7:00 p.m. and ends at 7:00 a.m.; Limited weekend service runs twenty-four hours.
Are the buses sanitary?
The buses are cleaned daily. Additional cleaning will be done if necessary.
Are the buses air-conditioned and heated?
Yes
How safe are the buses?
Buses should not exceed 35 miles per hour speed while on campus.
Where is the bus terminal located?
The bus terminal is located at 315 Hackberry Lane; on the west end of the Transportation Hub deck.
What kind of buses will be used for transportation?
40-foot Nova LFS buses, 30 & 40-foot ElDorado buses, and 32-foot StarCraft Buses comprise our fleet of vehicles.
Special Events/Charters
Will the buses run on Game days?
Yes, On Game days buses will run our “Gameday route” only.
Will the buses operate during events on campus (theater, Moody Music, etc.)
If chartered, buses will run during special events on campus.
Can buses be used to charter groups?
Yes, if the groups are associated with the University of Alabama. Link to Charter Service Information.